As the Pittsburgh Steelers move through their preseason schedule, issues on the offensive front have become increasingly apparent. With just 15 points scored in two preseason games, the team is visibly struggling to find its footing. Their recent 9-3 loss on Saturday night underscored these offensive challenges, highlighting a critical area in need of improvement.
Only three of those 15 points came with quarterback Justin Fields on the field, a telling statistic that indicates the larger systemic issues within the offense. A persistent lack of pass protection has hindered Fields' ability to establish any consistent rhythm. Head coach Mike Tomlin has pointed out the significant detrimental impact of this inadequacy in pass protection. "It's somewhat of an incomplete study because you just don't get a chance to see them operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you're not winning possession downs," Tomlin stated.
The Challenge of Pass Protection
Drawing attention to the critical need for better offensive line performance, Tomlin noted, "And we weren't. The first three or so series of the game, it was three and out, and you're not going to get an opportunity to establish rhythm or play the way you'd like as an individual or a collective." This is a glaring issue the team needs to address before the regular season kicks off.
Russell Wilson's performance further illustrated the struggles. Despite five series against the Buffalo Bills, Wilson was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive and faced three sacks. The aggressive defense exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was temporarily moved to right tackle for the game. Bills' Greg Rousseau took advantage of this, further exposing the fragile state of the Steelers' offensive line.
Roster Setbacks
In addition to performance issues, the Steelers are contending with injuries that could influence their lineup decisions. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. In another blow, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury. These injuries leave significant gaps in the offensive line, putting added pressure on the remaining players to step up.
Reflecting on the situation, Tomlin was candid about the need for improvement across the board: "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general. I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard, that can't be a problem for us. We've got to be better than we were tonight in that area." This statement hinges on the understanding that any improvement in their offensive performance will likely start with better protection for their quarterbacks.
Implications for the Final Preseason Game
As the Steelers prepare for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on the offensive line. Tomlin’s decisions regarding the starting quarterback for the final preseason game will likely hinge upon the performance of this critical unit. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring how the line holds up, as any changes in personnel or strategy need to be evaluated before their regular season begins.
In summary, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason performance has spotlighted significant issues within their offense, primarily revolving around ineffective pass protection and resulting in a lack of scoring opportunities. With notable injuries and the upcoming challenge of their final preseason game, the team's ability to address these challenges will be pivotal in shaping their approach for the season ahead. Coach Mike Tomlin's candid acknowledgment of these problems is the first step towards finding practical solutions and ensuring the Steelers can compete at the level expected of them.